Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Mbappe Shines in Final La Liga Match

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 in their La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 24, 2025. The match, filled with significant moments and tributes, marked the end of an era for some Real Madrid legends. This article delves into the match highlights, key events, and the emotional farewells that made this game memorable.

The impressive tifo dedicated to Modric and Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Match Summary

The match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad was more than just a game; it was a celebration and a send-off. Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory, with both goals coming from Kylian Mbappe. However, the match was equally significant for the tributes to departing legends like Luka Modric and manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Key Match Events

Here's a breakdown of the crucial moments during the match:

• 38': Kylian Mbappe's penalty is saved by Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Unai Marrero.
• 38': Immediately after the saved penalty, Mbappe scores the first goal, putting Real Madrid ahead 1-0.
• 55': Vinícius Júnior replaces Brahim Díaz due to an injury.
• 83': Mbappe scores his second goal, assisted by Vinícius Júnior, extending Real Madrid's lead to 2-0.
• 87': Luka Modric is substituted by Chema Andres, marking an emotional farewell as Modric leaves the pitch.

First Half: Mbappe's Early Impact

The first half was dominated by Kylian Mbappe's efforts. In the 38th minute, Real Madrid was awarded a penalty, but Mbappe's shot was saved by Unai Marrero. However, Mbappe quickly redeemed himself, scoring from the resulting play to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead.

According to Reddit, the first goal showcased Mbappe's determination and ability to capitalize on set-piece situations.

Kylian Mbappe scores the first goal against Real Sociedad.

Second Half: Vinícius Assist and Mbappe's Brilliance

The second half saw Real Madrid maintain control of the game. A notable substitution occurred in the 55th minute when Vinícius Júnior replaced the injured Brahim Díaz. Vinícius quickly made an impact, assisting Mbappe for his second goal in the 83rd minute, sealing the victory for Real Madrid.

The link to the goal can be found on Reddit, highlighting the synergy between Mbappe and Vinícius.

Mbappe celebrates his second goal, assisted by Vinícius Júnior.

Emotional Farewells

Beyond the goals and substitutions, the match was highly emotional due to the farewells of Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti. The Real Madrid faithful paid tribute to these legends, creating a memorable atmosphere at the Bernabéu.

Luka Modric's Last Match at the Bernabéu

Luka Modric, a long-serving midfielder and club legend, played his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the 87th minute, he was substituted, receiving a standing ovation from the fans. This moment symbolized the end of an era for a player who has contributed significantly to Real Madrid's success over the years.

Carlo Ancelotti's Departure

The match also marked Carlo Ancelotti's last game as the manager of Real Madrid. Ancelotti, known for his tactical prowess and calm demeanor, has led Real Madrid to numerous titles. The fans honored him with a special tifo, showcasing their appreciation for his contributions.

The tribute can be viewed on Reddit, where fans shared images of the heartfelt moment.

Real Sociedad honoring Modric and Ancelotti.

Match Statistics and Lineups

Here are the key statistics and lineups from the match:

Lineups

Real Madrid:

• Andriy Lunin
• Raúl Asencio
• Aurélien Tchouaméni (Jesús Vallejo)
• Fran García
• Lucas Vázquez (Gonzalo García)
• Federico Valverde
• Dani Ceballos
• Luka Modric (Chema Andrés)
• Kylian Mbappé
• Brahim Díaz (Vinícius Júnior)
• Arda Güler

Real Sociedad:

• Unai Marrero
• Jon Pacheco
• Jon Martín
• Aihen Muñoz
• Jon Aramburu
• Beñat Turrientes (Martín Zubimendi)
• Pablo Marín (Jon Ander Olasagasti)
• Sergio Gómez (Ander Barrenetxea)
• Takefusa Kubo
• Arkaitz Mariezkurrena (Mikel Oyarzabal)
• Luka Sucic (Brais Méndez)

Substitutions

Several substitutions were made during the match to adjust tactics and give players opportunities:

• Real Madrid:
  • Jesús Vallejo for Aurélien Tchouaméni
  • Vinícius Júnior for Brahim Díaz
  • Gonzalo García for Lucas Vázquez
  • Chema Andres for Luka Modric
• Real Sociedad:
  • Jon Olasagasti for Pablo Marín
  • Martín Zubimendi for Beñat Turrientes
  • Mikel Oyarzabal for Arkaitz Mariezkurrena
  • Ander Barrenetxea for Sergio Gómez
  • Brais Méndez for Luka Sucic

Fan Reactions

The Real Madrid fanbase expressed a mix of emotions following the match. Many fans praised Mbappe's performance and expressed gratitude towards Modric and Ancelotti.

Positive Feedback

Fans lauded Kylian Mbappe for his two goals and overall performance. There was also widespread appreciation for Luka Modric's contributions to the club.

Sentimental Reflections

The farewells of Modric and Ancelotti evoked sentimental reactions from supporters. Many fans shared their favorite memories of these figures and wished them well in their future endeavors.

Extended Highlights

For those who missed the match, extended highlights are available. You can watch the highlights in English, French, and Spanish.

View the highlights here.

Match Analysis

Real Madrid's victory over Real Sociedad was a fitting end to their La Liga campaign. The team showcased their attacking prowess, with Mbappe leading the charge. The match also highlighted the importance of squad depth, as substitutions played a key role in maintaining control and securing the win.

Mbappe's Performance

Kylian Mbappe's two goals underscored his importance to the team. Despite missing a penalty, he quickly responded and demonstrated his ability to score in crucial moments. His partnership with Vinícius Júnior is a promising sign for Real Madrid's future.

Kylian Mbappé's stats for his last 6 games with Real Madrid.

Tactical Overview

Carlo Ancelotti's tactical approach focused on maintaining possession and exploiting Real Sociedad's defensive vulnerabilities. The team's ability to adapt to changes, such as the injury to Brahim Díaz, reflects Ancelotti's influence and the players' versatility.

Additional Information

For more insights, you can participate in the post-match survey to rate the players' performances.

Access the survey here.

Conclusion

The Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad match was a memorable occasion, blending sporting action with heartfelt tributes. Kylian Mbappe's goals secured a victory, while the farewells of Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti added a poignant layer to the event. As Real Madrid looks to the future, the contributions of these legends will not be forgotten.